Auto Car Reviews: Jaguar XKR 2010 Review with Pictures

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Jaguar XKR 2010 Review with Pictures

With the introduction of the all-new 2010 Jaguar XKR supercharged convertible, Jaguar has finally crossed into supercar territory with the 510hp supercharged AJV8 engine.

Not only is the engine and powertrain world class, but so is the dramatic new styling, bonded chassis, suspension, brakes, plus new interior ergonomics, workmanship and materials. The all-new XKR is competitive against the Aston-Martin Volante, BMW M6 convertible, and Porsche 911 Twin-Turbo convertible like never before. It is awesome to drive with all the power under your foot, so stiff yet very comfortable, that I sometimes forgot I was driving a chopped top, so responsive to my every input, (acceleration, cornering, braking), and with every elegant item inside in its rightful place for easy use, the car shot straight-up on my list of outstanding all-new 2010 luxury sport 2+2 convertibles.

Designed and built in house, the all-new XKR is completely reworked using the latest automotive high tech systems, and the finest, highest grade materials inside and out.

Overall, Jaguar has really upped its game with the 2010 XK coupe and convertible. The power boost, additional standard equipment and more elegant-looking interior have made the XK fully competitive against already impressive players like the BMW 650i and M6, Mercedes-Benz SL550 and SL63 AMG, and Porsche's 911. It's also worth noting that the XK is less expensive than its principal competitors. The 2010 Jaguar XK has already evolved far beyond its original iteration -- let's hope Jag doesn't let it rest on its laurels for the next 17 years.

For 2010, Jaguar is confident it’s ready to deliver, and it’s brought some suitable talent to bear: a new engine. In the XFR that we tested, it’s a 5.0-liter V8 that uses a supercharger to produce a fantastic 510 hp at 6000 rpm and a massive 461 ft-lbs of torque that peaks at a low 2500 rpm. That’s a huge improvement over the outgoing motor, and soundly beats the 505-hp BMW M6. All that power is routed to the rear wheels through Jaguar’s familiar six-speed automatic transmission with Jaguar’s Sequential Shift steering-wheel paddles giving full control over the party, if needed.